At Ashuelot Valley Academy, students are taking learning beyond the classroom by turning creativity into real-world experience. Through the development of a student-run 3D printing store, they are exploring what it takes to build and manage a business from the ground up. This hands-on project has created meaningful opportunities for students to engage with entrepreneurship, marketing, and production in a way that feels both relevant and exciting. 

The idea for the store, now known as “The 3rd Dimension,” began with a simple but powerful question from faculty member Kassy P.: how can existing resources be used to teach practical, real-life skills? With 3D printers already available, the answer quickly took shape. Students in Transitions and Careers classes came together to officially launch the store, taking ownership of everything from product creation to customer service. 

Each week, students manage the full business cycle—accepting orders, producing items, and delivering finished products to customers within the school community. Along the way, they are building essential workplace skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. They’ve also taken initiative in refining product offerings, troubleshooting designs, and brainstorming new promotions, all while learning how supply and demand impacts their decisions. 

In addition to running the store, students are developing technical skills by working with programs such as UltiMaker, MeshInspector, and Canva. These tools allow them to design, modify, and market their products, blending technology with creativity. As they move into a focused unit on advertising and marketing, students will continue to expand their understanding of how to effectively promote and grow a business. 

The 3rd Dimension offers a variety of 3D-printed items, from fidget toys to small custom pieces, with each student taking responsibility for different aspects of the operation. This structure allows them to experience firsthand what it means to manage a product and contribute to a team. Projects like this highlight how experiential learning can empower students, helping them build confidence and skills that will serve them well beyond their time at AVA.